The Rev Peter Ballard, a father of two, moved out of his family home to start life with married motherof-two Val Beetham, 51. Rev Ballard, 55, has quit as canon at Blackburn Cathedral, Lancs, and left his post as the diocese's director of education in charge of schools.

He has also been suspended from working as a priest.

Rev Ballard's wife, Helen, is a religious education teacher. All involved have refused to comment.

Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, said: "I know this will be a time of sadness for all those affected."